Google+ No Longer Invitation-Only, Also No Longer Cool

Remember 3-months ago when you’d do anything to get your hands on a Google+ invitation? Well, good news to those considering selling your soul for an invite — Google’s social networking service has transitioned from field test to beta bearing new features that’ll leave you saying “I was using Google+ before it was cool”.

No one can hear you scream in space. No one can hear you scream in Google+. If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If you post on Google+ and no one is around to see it, does it make an impact? Ok, that one was a bit of a stretch. Regardless of how many people were invited, it’s still very much a ghost town compared to facebook. Could moving from field test to beta, a build where everyone is able to join, start the ball rolling? Let’s take a look at the new features!

Google+, making social networking personal since 2011.

Mobile Hang Outs (Meh)

Assuming you’re new to Google+, one of it’s baseline features is called Hang Out. This allows you and several other people to chat face-to-face via web cam. Cool, right? Meh. Don’t get me wrong, the ability to visibly talk to 4 different people around the world is cool, but how often do you/would you actually use it? Well, now everyone can see how popular you are on the bus, train, and every other dirty public transit system. Let’s hope you have enough data left for the month, otherwise this is going to eat your GB’s up.

Hang Outs On Air (Meh)

This one will surely keep your loins dry — unless you enjoy publicly humiliating yourself on the bus, train, and every other dirty public transit system. If approved by Google, you’ll be able to share your favorite Mexican styled salad recipe to the audience you don’t have. I’m sure those business type individuals splooshed all over this announcement.

Hang Out Extras (Ok)

Let’s be honest, having a conversation face-to-face online can be awkward. Thanks to Google and it’s efforts to kill any dead air, it’s implemented several features to help avoid those awkward-turtle situations. Google+ users will be able to share screens, draw on a sketchpad, and (my favorite) work on Google Docs at the same time.

Many companies are seeking you and your friends out for the ultimate social networking experience. With facebook looking to Hollywood for media offerings, Google is focusing on you. That’s what I like about Google+. It brings the social experience to the next level. Well, when someone’s logged on while riding the bus, train and every other dirty public transit system.